COTABATO CITY — Young children across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region are starting to enjoy safer and more nurturing learning environments, as the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) successfully completed the inspection of 99 newly repaired Child Development Centers (CDCs) throughout the region.
The inspection, carried out from April 7 to 11, 2025, was done in partnership with the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) and the Commission on Audit (COA). The initiative ensures that children—many of whom were affected by past disasters including Tropical Storm Paeng in 2022—can now learn and grow in secure, well-equipped spaces designed for early childhood care and education.
In addition to the repaired CDCs, nine newly constructed centers in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte were also evaluated. These new facilities were built to replace structures severely damaged by the storm, underscoring the government’s commitment to helping communities bounce back stronger.
MSSD’s Regional Focal Person for the Child and Youth Welfare Program, Johynne Amilyn Nasa, emphasized the vital role of collaboration in promoting quality early childhood education. “While the day-to-day operations of CDCs fall under the responsibility of local government units (LGUs), the MSSD supports them through technical assistance, resource augmentation, and capacity development,” Nasa explained.
She further highlighted that the ministry is also actively pursuing advocacy initiatives aimed at raising awareness on the importance of early childhood development. “We are working closely with LGUs, parents, and community leaders to encourage stronger local investment in CDCs,” she added.
Nasa noted that this multi-sectoral effort will continue to strengthen through the Bangsamoro Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Technical Working Group, a collaboration between MSSD and other ministries including Health, Basic, Higher and Technical Education, and Interior and Local Government. The TWG aims to create a more holistic and coordinated approach to delivering early childhood services throughout the region.
The recently inspected centers are located in several municipalities across Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, including Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Guindulungan, South Upi, Ampatuan, Rajah Buayan, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Upi, Matanog, Sultan Kudarat, and Northern Kabuntalan.
MSSD’s ongoing efforts are part of the Bangsamoro Government’s broader vision of inclusive development—ensuring that even the youngest members of the community are given the foundation they need to thrive.